Trim attachment apparatus for vehicle seating assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly that includes a frame structure and a panel coupled with the frame structure that has an occupant support surface. A connection element protrudes from the occupant support surface and borders a predefined area of the occupant support surface. A trim module covers the predefined area and includes an attachment feature extending inward and engaging the connection element to form a seal around the predefined area. A ventilation aperture extends through the panel within the predefined area and an air movement device is coupled with the panel to draw air through the ventilation aperture from an exterior surface of the trim module.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a seating assembly with atrim attachment apparatus, and more specifically, to a vehicle seatingassembly that includes a trim attachment apparatus to secure a trimmodule to the seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Seating assemblies for vehicles commonly include seatback cushions andseat cushions made of thick and dense foam that are covered with a coverstock material to provide a comfortable surface for the vehicle occupantin a variety of temperature environments and for a number of driver andpassenger preferences. Typically, the cover stock material may bestitched into a shell, stretched over the foam cushion and in someinstances other portions of the seating assembly, and attached theretowith some type of fastener, making it difficult to remove the cushion orthe cover stock material without causing damage. In general, such anarrangement can be difficult to incorporate with ventilation systems forthe seating assembly. Furthermore, it is desirable for modern vehicleseating to improve ergonomic support, temperature controls, and aircirculation for the seated occupants, while reducing weight of theoverall seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a frame structure and a panel coupled with the framestructure. The panel has an occupant support surface. A connectionelement protrudes from the occupant support surface and borders apredefined area of the occupant support surface. A trim module coversthe predefined area and includes an attachment feature extending inwardand engaging the connection element to form a seal around the predefinedarea.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a trim attachmentapparatus for a vehicle seating assembly includes a panel having asupport surface with an aperture for ventilation. A connection elementprotrudes from the support surface adjacent to the aperture. A trimmodule is disposed over the support surface covering the aperture. Anattachment feature extends inward from the trim module to engage theconnection element and form a seal between the trim module and thepanel.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method ofassembling a vehicle seating assembly includes providing a panel for thevehicle seating assembly that has a connection element protruding from asupport surface of the panel and bordering a predefined area on thesupport surface. The method further includes providing a trim module forcovering the predefined area and having a cover stock and an attachmentfeature extending inward from the cover stock. The trim module isaligned over the panel and an inward force is applied to the cover stockproximate a portion of the attachment feature to engage a correspondingportion of the connection element. The inward force is applied in asequential pattern on the cover stock to successively engage a remainingportion of the attachment feature with a corresponding remaining portionof the connection element.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a seating assembly in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the seating assembly that has anventilation system, showing the air movement;

FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of a seatback of the seatingassembly;

FIG. 3A is an exploded top perspective view of a seat of the seatingassembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of trim modules, supportpanels, and air movement devices of the seatback and the seat;

FIG. 4A is an exploded front top perspective view of an edge section ofthe trim module and the support panel of the seatback;

FIG. 4B is an exploded rear top perspective view of the edge section ofthe trim module and the support panel of the seatback;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the seatback, taken at line V-V ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top perspective view of an edge section of theseatback, taken at section VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top perspective view of an additional embodimentof the edge section of the seatback;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the edge section shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top perspective view of an additional embodimentof the edge section of the seatback;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the edge section shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top perspective view of an additional embodimentof the edge section of the seatback;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the edge section shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of an additional embodimentof the edge section of the seatback;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the edge section shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged top perspective view of an interior section ofthe seatback, taken at section XI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the interior section shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged top perspective view of an additional embodimentof an interior section of the seatback;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the interior section shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged top perspective view of an additional embodimentof an interior section of the seatback; and

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the interior section shown in FIG.13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, reference numeral 10 generally refers to avehicle seating assembly that includes a frame structure 12. A supportpanel 14 is coupled with the frame structure 12 and has an occupantsupport surface 16. A connection element 18 protrudes from the occupantsupport surface 16 and borders a predefined area 20 of the occupantsupport surface 16. A trim module 22 covers the predefined area 20 andincludes an attachment feature 24 extending inward and engaging theconnection element 18 to form a seal 26 around the predefined area 20. Aventilation aperture 28 extends through the panel 14 within thepredefined area 20 and an air movement device 30 is coupled with thepanel 14 to draw air through the ventilation aperture 28 from anexterior surface 32 of the trim module 22.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the seatingassembly 10 is positioned in a driver side location of a vehicle 34. Itis understood that the seating assembly 10 may be located in variouslocations throughout the vehicle 34 other than the illustrated location,such as a passenger side location, a mid-row location, and a rear seatlocation. Further, it is contemplated that the vehicle 34 may bealternatively configured, such as a result of a different vehicle type.The seating assembly 10 includes a seat 36 pivotally coupled with aseatback 38 that is capable of pivotally adjusting between upright andreclined positions relative to the seat 36. The seat 36 is slidablycoupled with a floor 40 of the vehicle about a track assembly 42. Thetrack assembly 42 is configured to allow the seating assembly 10 to beadjusted in a forward and rearward direction relative to the floor 40 ofthe vehicle 34. It is also conceivable that the seating assembly 10 maynot include the reclining feature and may not include the track assembly42, such that the seat 36 may be fixedly or otherwise coupled with thefloor 40 or other portion of the vehicle 34.

As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the seating assembly 10 includes aventilation system 44 that draws air from the exterior surface 32 of thetrim modules 22 to provide a cooling effect for a seated occupant. Theventilation system 44 may include at least one air movement device 30(FIG. 3) to effectuate the movement of air drawn from the exteriorsurface 32, shown as arrows in FIG. 2. The ventilation system 44 mayinclude alternative embodiments, as generally disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/749,595, entitled “SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH AIRDISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” filed on Jan. 24, 2013, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

The embodiment of the seatback 38 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a framestructure 12 having a first side member 46 and a second side member 48each pivotally coupled with a frame structure 12 of the seat 36. Thefirst and second side members 46, 48 extend upward from the pivotalconnection with the seat frame structure 12 to integrally attach with atop cross member 50 that supports a head restraint 52. It is alsoconceivable that the head restraint 52 may be integrated into theseatback 38 or otherwise omitted from the seating assembly 10. Theseatback 38 also has four trim modules 22 coupled with a forward facingsurface of the seatback frame structure 12, with one module defining anupper back support section 54 and three trim modules arranged to definea lower back support section 56. Similarly, the seat 36 has a trimmodule 22 coupled with an upward facing surface of the seat framestructure 12. The trim modules 22 may be alternatively divided, shaped,and arranged to cover the seatback 38 and the seat 36 for providingsurfaces to support an occupant. It is also contemplated that asuspension assembly may integrated with the trim modules 22 or attachedbetween the trim modules 22 and the seatback and seat frame structures12, allowing the trim modules 22 to be potentially movable or resilientrelative to the seat or seatback frame structures 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the seatback frame structure 12 includes acore frame member 58 and a trim shroud 60 configured to substantiallyenclose the core frame member 58. The core frame member 58 couples withrecliner brackets 62 proximate the lower ends of the side members 46,48, such that the recliner brackets 62 are configured to couple with arearward portion of the seat frame structure (FIG. 3A) to provide thepivotal movement of the seatback 38 relative to the seat 36. The firstand second side members 46, 48 are substantially parallel with eachother and curve upward and rearward from the recliner brackets 62 toprovide a curved shape that is more robust proximate the reclinerbrackets 62 and tapers proximate the top cross member 50 that extendsorthogonally between the first and second side members 46, 48. The trimshroud 60 includes a rear enclosure 64 and a front enclosure 66. Therear enclosure 64 couples with the core frame member 58 to substantiallyconceal a rear portion of the seatback frame structure 12. The frontenclosure 66 has a U-shape that conforms to and substantially conceals afront portion of the seatback frame structure 12, allowing a centralarea of the seatback 38 to remain exposed for receiving the supportpanel 14, trim modules 22, and other internal components of the seatback38. The front enclosure 66 in the illustrated embodiment also providesattachment points for securing the support panels 14 to the seatbackframe structure 12. It is conceivable that the core frame member 58 orportions thereof may be integrated with the trim shroud 60 to provide analternative frame structure.

Further, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the trimmodules 22 are positioned to couple with the support surfaces 16 of anupper support panel 68 and a lower support panel 70 that correspond tothe upper back support section 54 and the lower back support section 56of the seatback 38 (FIG. 2). The support panels 68, 70 are also arrangedfor a rearward facing surface thereof to couple respectively with anupper and lower air movement device 30 of the ventilation system 44. Theupper and lower air movement devices 30 each have a concave shell 72with a cavity facing forward to engage the rearward facing surface ofthe upper and lower support panels 68, 70. A circular opening is 74formed in a central region of the concave shell 72 and includes a fan 76operably coupled therein. It is contemplated that an air movement devicemay be employed on other portions of the seatback 38, includingproximate other predefined areas 20, such as rearward the lateral sidebolster areas 80 (FIG. 4).

The seat 36, as shown in FIG. 3A, has a substantially similararrangement to the seatback 38 and includes a seat frame structure 12with a central area exposed for receiving the support panel 14, the trimmodule 22, and other internal components of the seat 36. Also, thesupport panel 14 is arranged to couple with the seat air movement device30 of the ventilation system 44. The air movement device 30 is similarlyconstructed to those employed in the seatback 38, whereby it has aconcave shell 72 that engages a bottom surface of the support panel 14,for drawing air from the exterior surface 32 of the trim module 22covering the seat 36. The fans 76 of the air movement devices 30 operateto create a pressure drop within the concave shell 72 and the predefinedarea 20 (FIG. 4) that draws air from the exterior surface 32 of the trimmodules 22. It is contemplated that the seat 36 or seatback 38 may notinclude the illustrated trim module 22 and support panel 14 and mayotherwise include a seat pan for supporting a seat cushion without theventilation system.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the support panels 14 each include theconnection element 18 that integrally protrudes from the occupantsupport surface 16 and surrounds the one or more predefined areas 20 onthe occupant support surface 16. In the illustrated embodiment, theconnection element 18 has a plurality of engagement members 78 that arelinearly arranged on the support surface 16 to surround the predefinedarea 20. More specifically, the upper support panel 68 of the seatback38 has three predefined areas 20, including two lateral side bolsterareas 80 and a central area 82. A single row of engagement members 78divide the central area 82 from the side bolster areas 80. The lowersupport panel 70 of the seatback 38 also has three predefined areas 20,including two lateral side bolster areas 80 and a central area 82. Thelateral side bolster areas 80 on the lower support panel 70 are spacedfrom the central area 82, such that a row of engagement members 78separately surrounds each of the central area 82 and the side bolsterareas 80. The central areas 82 of both the upper and lower supportpanels 68, 70 include a plurality of ventilation apertures 28 extendingthrough the panel 14 to provide ventilation to the occupant supportsurface 16. The plurality of ventilation apertures 28 are arranged in apattern of various sized and shaped openings that are configured toretain the strength of the panel 14 to support a rearward force of anoccupant and provide some added resiliency to the panel proximate theventilation apertures 28. It is contemplated that the plurality ofventilation apertures 28 may be arranged in several varied patterns thatutilized openings with alternative sizes, shapes, and spacing.

As also shown in FIG. 4, the trim modules 22 each have an attachmentfeature 24 extending orthogonally inward toward the respective supportpanel 14. In this illustrated embodiment the attachment features 24 havean elongated rib 84 protruding rearward and extending around the rearsurface of the trim module 22 in a pattern corresponding to theassociated connection element 18 on the respective support panel 14.Accordingly, the elongated rib 84 is similarly formed to surround thepredefined area 20 defined and outlined by the associated connectionelement 18. For the trim module 22 that corresponds to the upper backsupport section 54, the attachment features 24 are arranged to protruderearward from an edge portion of the trim module 22 and along two rowsthat extend vertically to correlate with connection elements 18 thatdivide the central area 82 and the lateral side bolster areas 80 on theupper support panel 68. However, the three trim modules 22 that definethe lower back support section 56 each have an attachment feature 24that protrudes rearward along an edge portion of each trim module 22 tosurround the trim modules 22.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the seat 36 of the illustratedembodiment has a support panel 14 with the predefined central area 82and a predefined surrounding area that encompasses the lateral sidebolsters 80. Both the central and predefined surrounding areas haveseparate rows of connection elements 18 that protrude from the supportpanel 14 and surround each area. The central area 82 includes aplurality of ventilation apertures 28 extending through the panel 14 toprovide ventilation to the occupant support surface 16, similar to thecentral areas 82 of the upper and lower support panels 68, 70 of theseatback 38. The trim module 22 for the seat 36 also has a correspondingattachment feature 24 extending downward in a shape that conforms to theconnection elements 18 surrounding the predefined areas 20.

One embodiment of the connection element 18 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4B as asectional view taken from the edge portion of the seatback support panel14. It is understood that the illustrated edge portion may be similarlyarranged on various portions of the upper and lower support panels 68,70 and on other support panels 14 (FIGS. 3-3A). It is also understoodthat the illustrated edge portion may continue around the entire supportpanel 14. In this embodiment, the connection element 18 has asubstantially L-shaped cross section with a base portion 86 orthogonallyextending from the support panel and an end portion 88 extendingorthogonally from a distal end of the base portion 86 in generalalignment with the support panel 14. The support panel 14 and theengagement members 78 are integrally formed from a generally rigidpolymeric material capable of resiliently flexing. Although, it iscontemplated that the support panels 14 may be made from other materialshaving similar rigid and resilient characteristics.

As also shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, one embodiment of the attachment feature24 is disposed on the edge portion of the trim module 22 that attachesto the illustrated edge portion of the support panel 14. The trim module22 includes a cover stock 90 and a rigid liner 92 spanning a rearsurface of the cover stock 90. The rigid liner 92 is permeable to allowair to pass from the cover stock 90 to the support panel 14, whereby therigid liner 92 may also have air holes and may not cover the entire rearsurface of the cover stock 90 to similarly allow for air flow. The coverstock 90 has a retention member 94 coupled with a distal edge of thecover stock 90 that wraps over and couples with an exterior edge 96 ofthe rigid liner 92, as shown in FIG. 4B. The retention member 94 may beextruded, sewn, or otherwise attached to the distal edge of the coverstock 90 around the entire piece of cover stock, such that the retentionmember 94 is configured to engage lip segments 98 that protrude inwardfrom the exterior edge 96 for retaining the cover stock 90 to the rigidliner 92. To provide a space for the retention member 94 and the distaledge of the cover stock 90 to be inserted and attached to the exterioredge 96 of the rigid liner 92, the attachment feature 24 is disposedinward from the rigid liner 92 at a spaced distance away from theexterior edge 96 of the rigid liner 92. A number of holes 100 are alsoformed through the support panel 14 in the space between the exterioredge 96 and the attachment feature 24. The attachment feature 24, morespecifically, includes an elongated rib 102 that protrudes orthogonallyfrom the support panel 14 and has a series of openings 104 in a sidewallof the elongated rib 102. The openings 104 are spaced along theelongated rib at corresponding spacing and sizes to the engagementmembers 78 protruding in the opposing direction from the support panel14.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross section of the lower back supportsection 56 of the seatback 38 is shown with the three trim modules 22attached to the lower support panel 70 and the air movement device 30drawing air from the exterior surface of the cover stock 90 proximatethe central predefined area 82 of the support panel 14. The trim modules22 have a permeable cushion 106 disposed between the cover stock 90 andthe rigid liner 92 (FIG. 6) that allows the air to be drawn from theexterior surface 32. The permeable cushion 106 includes a resilientstructure of woven fibers that have open areas to allow for airventilation and passage. However, it is conceivable that the permeablecushion 106 may include air permeable open cell foam, air permeableclosed cell foam, or other conceivable flexible and breathable materialsthat cushion the support panel 14. Accordingly, the cover stock 90 iscomprised of a breathable material that is disposed over the permeablecushion 106 to provide additional support to hold the permeable cushion106 against the trim carrier rigid liner 92. The cover stock 90 mayconceivably include a fabric material, a perforated leather material, avinyl material, or other conceivable air permeable seating upholsterymaterials.

As shown in FIG. 6, at least one of the plurality of engagement members78 of the connection element 18 is removably engaged with one of theseries of openings 104 (FIG. 4B) on the elongated rib 84 of theattachment feature 24. To effectuate engagement, an installer may applya force that is generally perpendicular to the exterior surface 32 ofthe cover stock 90 proximate a portion of the attachment feature 24 toengage a corresponding and abutting portion of the connection element18. This perpendicular force causes the engagement member 78 to flexinward away from the elongated rib 102 and the elongated rib 102 maysimilarly flex outward to allow the end portion 88 of the engagementmember 78 to pass beyond an outer edge 108 of the sidewall beforefrictionally engaging within the opening 104 in the sidewall. Uponengaging one of the plurality of engagement members 78 on the supportpanel 14 with one of the series of openings 104, a similar perpendicularforce then is applied sequentially in a pattern on the cover stock 90 tosuccessively engage the remaining plurality of engagement members 78with the corresponding remaining series of openings 104. For example,the sequential application of the perpendicular force may beaccomplished by moving an installer's hand around the edge portion of atrim module 14 while maintaining a generally perpendicular force againstthe exterior surface 32 of the cover stock 90. Attachment of eachengagement member 78 with a corresponding opening 104 in the sidewall ofthe elongated rib 102 provides an audible and tactile feedback to theinstaller, such that the installer is made aware of whether theattachment feature 24 is fully engaged with the connection element 18for each trim module 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the seal 26 is formed at leastbetween the cover stock 90 and the side edge of the support panel 14.Upon fully engaging the attachment feature 24 with the connectionelement 18, the seal 26 between the trim module 22 and the support panel14 is formed to form a substantially airtight connection around theperiphery of each trim module 22. The seal 26 generally prevents airfrom being drawn by the air movement device 30 from portions of theexterior surface 32 of the cover stock 90 outside the predefinedventilation area, namely the central area 82 in the illustratedembodiment. As also shown in FIG. 6, the end portion 88 of theengagement member 78 has a declined angled surface 110 that abuts acorresponding chamfered edge 112 of the opening 104. The declined angledsurface 110 and the chamfered edge 112 allow for easier removability ofthe trim module 22 from the support panel 14.

Referring now to the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-7A, the endportion 88 of the engagement member 78 has a bulbous end thatfrictionally engages against a curved edge surface 114 of the opening104 of the series of openings in the elongated rib 102. Also, thisembodiment includes a ramped protrusion 116 extending inward adjacent tothe engagement member 78, such that a ramped surface on the rampedprotrusion 116 guides the engagement member 78 outward and intoengagement with the opening 104. This alternative embodiment, along withothers described and illustrated, may be taken from an edge portion onthe upper back support panel or other support panels.

Another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-8A, includes a dualangled end portion 118 that has angled surfaces configured for theengagement member 78 to more easily slide past the outer edge 108 of theelongated rib 102 (FIG. 4B) in both the engagement upon installation anddisengagement upon removal of the trim module 22 with the support panel14. This alternative embodiment also illustrates a resilient sealelement 120 coupled with the outer edge 108 of the elongated rib 102.The seal element 120 may extend continuously along the elongated rib 102around the predefined area 20. Upon frictional attachment of theengagement member 78 with the opening 104 in the sidewall of theelongated rib 102, the resilient seal element 120 is configured tocompress against the support panel 14 to form the seal 26 around theventilation apertures 28. The compression of the resilient seal element120 reduces the desire for the cover stock 90 to also form the seal 26with the support panel 14.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 9-10A, two other embodiments are shown.With respect the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-9A, the end portion 88 ofthe engagement member 78 includes a generally perpendicular surface 122for engaging the opening 104 that is formed to have a similarly alignedsurface to abut the perpendicular surface 122, such that the trim module22 is more rigidly attached to the support panel 14. Further, withregard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-10A, the end portion 88 ofthe engagement member 78 has the perpendicular surface 122 and also hasthe ramped protrusion 116, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-7A.Accordingly, it is contemplated that the attachment feature andconnection element may include any of the alternative embodimentsillustrated herein or any combination thereof. Further, it iscontemplated that the connection element may alternatively include theelongated rib that borders the predefined area and thereby theattachment feature may include the plurality of engagement members thatfrictionally engage a sidewall of the elongated rib.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-11A, showing an interior portion of thesupport panel 14, specifically showing the edge portion of the trimmodule 22 that attaches to the lower back support panel 70 adjacent toand covering the central area 82 of the support surface 16 (FIG. 4). Asshown, the attachment feature 24 includes a hook-shaped member 126 thatprotrudes inward toward the support panel 14 and curves outward backtoward the trim module 22 to engage a distal end 124 of the connectionelement 18. The distal end 124 of the connection element 18 likewiseangles toward the hook-shaped member 126 of the attachment feature 24 tofrictionally engage therewith. On the opposing side of the connectionelement 18 the elongated rib 102 provides support to prevent theconnection element 18 from easily flexing outward away from thehook-shaped member 126 and disengaging therefrom. In this embodiment theelongated rib 102 is not necessarily engaged by engagement members 78.Also, the seal 26 in this embodiment is substantially formed between thesupport surface 16 of the support panel 14 and the exterior surface ofthe cover stock 90.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-13A, alternative embodiments of theattachment feature 24 and the connection element 18 are shown taken froma similar location as shown in FIGS. 11-11A. With respect to FIGS.12-12A, the connection element 18 and the attachment feature 24 aresimilarly arranged to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-7A and accordinglyincludes like numerals for like parts thereof. However, the seal 26 inthis embodiment is substantially formed in a similar location to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 11-11A. With respect to FIGS. 13-13A, theillustrated embodiment does not include the elongated rib 102, andinstead the engagement member 78 engages directly with the exteriorsurface 32 of the cover stock 90, compressing the cover stock 90 againstexterior edge 96 of the rigid liner 92 to form an additional seal 26.The engagement member 78 is also held against the cover stock 90 by theramped surface of the ramped protrusion 116 extending inward from therigid liner 92. Again, it is conceivable the attachment features andconnection elements may include any of these alternative embodimentsillustrated or any combination thereof.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structure without departing from the conceptsof the present invention, and further it is to be understood that suchconcepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

We claim:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: a frame structure;a panel coupled with the frame structure and having an occupant supportsurface; a connection element protruding from the occupant supportsurface and bordering a predefined area of the occupant support surface;and a trim module covering the predefined area and including anattachment feature extending inward and engaging the connection elementto form a seal around the predefined area.
 2. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a plurality ofventilation apertures extending through the panel within the predefinedarea to provide ventilation to the occupant support surface.
 3. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the trim module includes acover stock and a permeable cushion between the cover stock and thepanel, and wherein the panel includes at least one ventilation apertureextending through the panel within the predefined area.
 4. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 3, further comprising: an air movement devicecoupled with an inner surface of the panel to draw air through the atleast one ventilation aperture from an exterior surface of the coverstock, wherein the seal is substantially airtight to prevent air frombeing drawn from outside the predefined area.
 5. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature includes anelongated rib extending around the predefined area, and wherein theconnection element is arranged to removably engage the elongated rib atmultiple locations around the predefined area to define the seal betweenthe trim module and the panel.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim1, wherein the attachment feature includes an elongated rib having aseries of openings in a sidewall of the elongated rib, and wherein theconnection element includes a plurality of engagement members thatfrictionally engage the series of openings.
 7. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a rigid polymericmaterial and the connection element includes a select one of anelongated rib and a plurality of engagement members that integrallyprotrude from the panel and extend around the predefined area.
 8. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the trim module includes acover stock, a rigid liner spanning a rear surface of the cover stock,and a retention member coupled with a distal edge of the cover stockthat wraps over and couples with an exterior edge of the rigid liner,and wherein the attachment feature extends inward from the rigid liner.9. A trim attachment apparatus for a vehicle seating assembly,comprising: a panel having a support surface with an aperture forventilation; a connection element protruding from the support surfaceadjacent to the aperture; a trim module disposed over the supportsurface covering the aperture; and an attachment feature extendinginward from the trim module to engage the connection element and form aseal between the trim module and the panel.
 10. The trim attachmentapparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature includes a selectone of an elongated rib and a plurality of engagement members borderingthe aperture, and wherein the connection element includes the other one.11. The trim attachment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachmentfeature includes an elongated rib surrounding the aperture, and whereinthe connection element removably engages the elongated rib successivelyat multiple locations around the aperture to form the seal.
 12. The trimattachment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature includesan elongated rib having a sidewall and a series of openings in thesidewall, and wherein the connection element includes a plurality ofengagement members spaced along the support panel to frictionally engagethe series of openings in the elongated rib.
 13. The trim attachmentapparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature includes anelongated rib bordering the aperture and having a body portion adjacentto the trim module and an edge portion away from the body portion, andwherein the connection element engages the body portion.
 14. The trimattachment apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a resilient sealelement coupled with the edge portion of the elongated rib thatcompresses against the support surface to form the seal around theaperture.
 15. The trim attachment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the trimmodule includes a cover stock and a permeable cushion between the coverstock and the panel, and wherein an air movement device is coupled withan inner surface of the panel to draw air through the aperture from anexterior surface of the cover stock.
 16. The trim attachment apparatusof claim 15, wherein the attachment feature surrounds the aperture todefine a ventilation area on the support surface, and wherein the sealprevents air from being drawn by the air movement device from outsidethe ventilation area.
 17. A method, comprising: providing a panel for avehicle seating assembly that includes a connection element protrudingfrom a support surface of the panel and bordering a predefined area onthe support surface; providing a trim module for covering the predefinedarea and having a cover stock and an attachment feature extending inwardfrom the cover stock; aligning the trim module over the panel; applyingan inward force to the cover stock proximate a portion of the attachmentfeature to engage a corresponding portion of the connection element; andapplying the inward force in a sequential pattern on the cover stock tosuccessively engage a remaining portion of the attachment feature with acorresponding remaining portion of the connection element.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the attachment feature and the connectionelement engage to form a substantially airtight seal between the trimmodule and the panel.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the panelincludes a plurality of ventilation apertures extending through thepanel within the predefined area to provide ventilation to the supportsurface, and wherein an air movement device is configured to draw airthrough the plurality of ventilation apertures from an exterior surfaceof the cover stock.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the attachmentfeature includes a select one of an elongated rib and a plurality ofengagement members bordering the predefined area and the connectionelement includes the other one, and wherein the plurality of engagementmembers frictionally engage a sidewall of the elongated rib.